McEwan says Napolitano doing great with Italy at World Cup

ITALY is unlikely to challenge for the rugby league World Cup title but Chris McEwan is glowing in his praise of former colleague Carlo Napolitano in getting the Azzuri to the tournament.

South-West education and development officer for Queensland Rugby League, McEwan used to work alongside Napolitano when he was based in Toowoomba until 2010 working as QRL coaching and development officer.

During his time in Toowoomba, Napolitano laid the foundation for Italy's current World Cup campaign in England and continued preparations after moving away from the area.

McEwan (pictured) has seen first hand the time and effort Napolitano has invested in growing rugby league in Italy and has lauded his mate ahead of the country's second match at the World Cup against Scotland on Sunday.

"Carlo did a lot of work flying back and forth to Italy. He's done a lot of work to get Italy to the World Cup. I think he's done a great job," McEwan said.

"He'd been working on it over a couple of years. I think it's very good for global rugby league."

Italy made a great start to the World Cup by beating tournament co-hosts Wales 32-16 at Cardiff last weekend.

McEwan also has a vested interest in the success of the Italian team given he accompanied Napolitano on a trip to the country in 2009.

"I actually went over to Italy with him to help establish a domestic competition to help get them in the World Cup," McEwan said. "Our job was to get out to get the rugby union players and teach them rugby league.

"I'm an Australian and I'm true blue and I support them, but after working over there I have a bit of a soft spot for Italy."

The Italian team features the likes of NRL premiership players Anthony Minichiello and Aiden Guerra.